Training injury sends All Blacks hooker home, replacement en route
All Blacks hooker George Bell has been ruled out of the upcoming South Africa tour due to a calf strain sustained during training. Bradley Slater has been called up as his replacement for the tour.
Why it matters
The injury impacts team composition and strategy for a high-profile international rugby tour.
All Blacks hooker George Bell has been ruled out of the team's upcoming tour of South Africa, having suffered a training injury. A spokesperson said Bell will return home from the squad's camp in Cape Town after suffering a calf strain during training. The Crusaders and Canterbury foward is expected to be out of play for the next four to six weeks. Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater has been called up to replace Bell, and will arrive in South Africa on Wednesday.
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